Recent Developments in the Management of Posttraumatic Neuropathic Pain

Review Article

Kurien Koshy and Cory Toth

Affiliation : Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada

ABSTRACT

Injury to the nervous system may lead to posttraumatic neuropathic pain (NeP), an often refractory condition associated with pain, sensory disturbance, and potential weakness and autonomic dysfunction (such as with complex regional pain syndrome). In addition, NeP is often associated with insomnia, difficulties with mood or anxiety, and impaired quality of life. This review will review the causes and nature of NeP with a discussion on the recent breakthroughs in understanding its pathophysiology. Management of this condition is often difficult and requires a multidisciplinary approach consisting of both pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment. Recent studies identifying gabapentinoids as effective in posttraumatic forms of NeP will be reviewed. Posttraumatic NeP is a complicated and complex disease process that requires ongoing research to understand and manage the needs of its patient population.

Keywords: neuropathic pain, posttraumatic neuropathic pain, complex regional pain syndrome, neuropathy, pharmacotherapy, pregabalin,antidepressants

Correspondence: Cory Toth, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, HMRB Room 155, 3330 Hospital Drive NW,
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4N1. Tel: +1-(403)-220-8831; Fax: +1-(403)-283-8731; e-mail: corytoth@shaw.ca